Category: Stock Market

If I had $2,000 to invest in ASX 200 shares, I would want to be selective.

The ASX has no shortage of large companies, but I would be looking for businesses with durable market positions, sensible growth options, and the ability to keep rewarding shareholders over time.

With that in mind, here are three ASX 200 shares I would consider buying.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

Cochlear is one ASX 200 share I would happily add to a long-term portfolio.

The company is a global leader in implantable hearing solutions. That gives it exposure to a need that is unlikely to disappear. Hearing loss can affect communication, confidence, work, education, and social connection, so the value of a successful hearing solution can be very high for patients.

What I like about Cochlear is that it is not just selling a device. It operates in a specialist healthcare market where clinical relationships, surgeon training, product reliability, software, upgrades, and long-term patient support all count. That can create a powerful ecosystem.

The company also has a long runway as populations age and awareness of hearing loss improves. Access and affordability can still vary significantly across countries, which means Cochlear’s opportunity is not limited to one mature market.

The share price can be sensitive to currency movements, hospital activity, competition, and valuation expectations. But if I were investing with a multi-year view, I think Cochlear’s combination of healthcare need, global reach, and specialist expertise would make it a strong candidate.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers is another ASX 200 share I would consider buying.

I think the appeal comes from the way the company thinks about capital. Wesfarmers has a long history of owning businesses, improving them, reinvesting where it sees attractive returns, and making changes when the opportunity set shifts. That gives it a different feel to a simple retailer.

Its major retail operations give the group exposure to everyday consumer spending, home improvement, value-focused shopping, office products, health, and industrial activity. But I think the more important point is that Wesfarmers has shown discipline across many cycles.

The company tends to focus on productivity, customer value, supply chains, data, and operational improvement. Those things may not sound exciting, but they can make a big difference over long periods.

A premium valuation is often the main challenge with Wesfarmers. It is rarely ignored by the market. Even so, I think a high-quality business that keeps finding ways to improve can still be worth owning for the long term.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB)

National Australia Bank is a bank share I would include in this group.

NAB gives investors exposure to the Australian economy through home lending, deposits, business banking, and everyday financial services. What makes it particularly interesting to me is its strength in business banking.

Small and medium-sized businesses need banking relationships, credit, payments, accounts, and advice as they grow. NAB has a strong position in that part of the market, which gives it a slightly different profile to a purely mortgage-focused bank.

Banks can be cyclical. Bad debts, funding costs, competition, regulation, and housing market conditions all need to be watched. But I think NAB offers a reasonable mix of income, scale, and economic exposure.

For a $2,000 investment, I would not be buying NAB because I expect spectacular growth. I would be buying it because a strong bank can provide a useful backbone to a portfolio, especially if dividends are reinvested over time.

Foolish takeaway

If I had $2,000 to invest in ASX 200 shares, I would focus on quality rather than trying to find the most exciting short-term idea.

I would want businesses that can stay useful, reinvest sensibly, and keep creating value through different market conditions. These three shares are not risk-free, and they will not all perform well at the same time. But I think they offer a sensible mix of healthcare, consumer, and financial exposure.

For me, that would be a practical way to put $2,000 to work with a long-term mindset.

The post Where I’d invest $2,000 in ASX 200 shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• How I’d choose the best ASX shares I could hold for 10 years
• Which Aussie blue-chip stock is the best performer so far in 2026?
• Wesfarmers shares have surged 20% in a month. Buy now?
• Warning! 5 ASX stocks to fall 20% or more: Experts

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Cochlear and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having a tough finish to the week. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 1.1% to 8,815 points.

Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back are listed below. Here’s why they are rising:

A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M)

The A2 Milk share price is up 5% to $6.43. This appears to have been driven by a broker note out of UBS this morning. According to the note, the broker has upgraded the infant formula company’s shares to a buy rating (from neutral). The broker made the move on valuation grounds following a significant de-rating in recent months. UBS feels that the selling, which was driven by concerns over a product recall, has been overdone.

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

The EOS share price is up 13% to $10.58. Investors have been buying this defence and space company’s shares after it announced a major sales order from the United Arab Emirates. EOS revealed that it has secured a US$124 million (~A$175 million) order for its Slinger Counter-Drone Remote Weapon System (RWS). It notes that the system will be supplied to Generation 5 Holding, which is a 100% United Arab Emirates owned provider of defence equipment, technology and services headquartered in Abu Dhabi. The order includes the RWS, cannon, spares, training, and other supplies.

IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL)

The IDP Education share price is up over 5% to $2.53. This has been driven by the release of a trading update and news that the language testing and student placement company is launching a $50 million share buyback. IDP Education expects its EBIT to grow marginally in FY 2026 to $122 million (from $119 million in FY 2025). A key driver of this has been its cost-out program. Management advised that it is now expecting a $30 million net reduction in the cost base in FY 2026, which is ahead of the $25 million target previously announced.

Skycity Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SKC)

The Skycity share price is up 16% to 47.7 cents. Investors have been buying the casino operator’s shares following the release of an update on its Adelaide operation. SkyCity revealed that it has entered into an agreement with the Commissioner for Liquor and Gambling in South Australia to resolve all outstanding regulatory matters. The company’s CEO, Jason Walbridge, said: “Reaching this in-principle agreement is an important step for SkyCity and reflects the significant work our team has done over the past 4 years to transform our compliance culture, strengthen our governance, and earn back the trust of our regulators. We accept the findings that led to this outcome and take seriously the obligations we have committed to.”

The post Why A2 Milk, EOS, IDP Education, and SkyCity shares are charging higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• This ASX defence stock just jumped 14%. Here’s the big news
• Why are EOS shares rocketing 20% today?
• Which ASX 200 share is surging more than 10% higher on buyback news?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Electro Optic Systems. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX) is once again one of the standout performers on the ASX.

On Friday afternoon, the ASX healthcare share was up 11% to $4.29, defying a weak broader market that saw the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) fall around 1%.

The longer-term performance is even more remarkable. Over the past 12 months, 4DMedical shares have soared approximately 1,616%, leaving the benchmark index’s 3.3% gain in the dust.

So, what keeps driving this ASX healthcare stock higher?

No fresh news, plenty of momentum

Interestingly, there doesn’t appear to be any new ASX announcement today that would fully explain the latest jump of the ASX healthcare share.

Instead, investors seem to be continuing to respond to a string of major developments announced in recent weeks, as well as growing confidence in the company’s long-term commercial opportunity.

4DMedical develops advanced respiratory imaging technology that helps clinicians assess lung function in ways that traditional imaging methods cannot. Its flagship products use proprietary software and artificial intelligence to generate detailed functional images of the lungs, providing valuable insights for diagnosis and treatment.

As healthcare systems increasingly embrace AI-powered diagnostic tools, investors appear to be betting that 4DMedical is well positioned to benefit.

Expanding globally

One of the company’s most significant recent moves was its acquisition of Austrian AI imaging company Contextflow.

The deal gives the $2.5 billion ASX healthcare share an immediate commercial foothold in Europe, access to lung cancer screening technology, and established reimbursement contracts in Germany.

Management estimates the acquisition expands its addressable market by approximately 50%, significantly increasing the company’s growth runway.

The transaction also strengthens 4DMedical’s position at the intersection of medical imaging and artificial intelligence, two sectors attracting substantial investor attention.

Entering a multi billion dollar US market

Investors have also welcomed the company’s progress in the lucrative US healthcare market.

Recently, the ASX healthcare share announced a major commercial agreement with SimonMed, one of the largest outpatient medical imaging providers in the US, operating more than 170 imaging sites.

The partnership represents another important step in the rollout of the company’s CT:VQ lung imaging technology and provides access to a large network of potential patients and healthcare providers.

Earlier this month, the company also launched its CLEAR clinical program targeting acute pulmonary embolism.

Management believes this initiative could expand the US addressable market for CT:VQ to around US$3 billion, highlighting the scale of the opportunity ahead if adoption continues to grow.

What are the risks?

Despite the excitement, investors should remember that 4DMedical remains a high-growth healthcare company.

The valuation of the ASX 200 healthcare share valuation has risen sharply, and expectations are now significantly higher than they were a year ago. Commercial adoption, reimbursement outcomes, and execution will all be critical to justifying the stock’s meteoric rise.

To keep the momentum going, management will need to continue converting clinical success into revenue growth, expand adoption of its technology across healthcare networks, and successfully integrate its European expansion strategy.

If it can deliver on those objectives, investors may believe the company’s remarkable run still has further to go.

The post Why this red-hot ASX healthcare share keeps climbing appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why is the ASX 200 sinking to a 5 day low today?
• Charter Hall Long WALE REIT declares June 2026 distribution and DRP details
• APA Group announces estimated FY26 final distribution, up 1.7%
• Wesfarmers shares have surged 20% in a month. Buy now?
• 2 ASX growth shares experts think could double over 12 months

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Morgans has named a number of ASX shares as buys, and three very different opportunities stand out to me.

One is a wine company trying to rebuild returns. One is a wagering and gaming business dealing with a regulatory cloud. The other is a furniture retailer with a long history of disciplined expansion.

That mix makes this interesting. These are not lookalike recommendations, with each buy call being driven by a different investment case.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

Treasury Wine Estates is one ASX share Morgans thinks investors should be buying.

The broker has a buy rating and a $5.95 price target on the wine giant. Based on the current share price of around $4.79, that suggests potential upside of around 24%.

Morgans believes Treasury Wine’s recent Investor Day was the positive share price catalyst it had been expecting. The broker pointed to ongoing depletions growth and noted that the mid-point of FY26 EBITS guidance was slightly ahead of consensus estimates.

But the bigger part of the investment case appears to be what comes next.

Treasury Wine has been working through a transformation program called Ascent. Morgans believes this program can support sustainable, high-quality earnings growth and help deleverage the balance sheet over the medium to long term.

That is important because Treasury Wine has not always delivered the returns investors hoped for. The company owns premium brands, including Penfolds, but the share market has wanted clearer evidence that the business can convert those brands into more attractive financial outcomes.

Morgans has upgraded its FY27 and FY28 forecasts and says the stock is trading on low multiples. It also believes new management can deliver more acceptable returns over time.

I think that makes Treasury Wine an interesting recovery-style buy, provided investors are comfortable with the execution risk.

Tabcorp Holdings Ltd (ASX: TAH)

Tabcorp is another ASX share Morgans recommends as a buy.

The broker recently upgraded the wagering company from accumulate to buy and placed a $1.07 price target on the stock. With Tabcorp shares trading around 87 cents, that implies potential upside of roughly 23%.

The backdrop is unusual. Morgans notes that Tabcorp’s share price has fallen approximately 37% since AUSTRAC’s investigation was announced earlier this month.

Regulatory investigations can hang over a stock for some time, and Morgans expects this one to remain an overhang for the foreseeable future. But at current levels, the broker believes Tabcorp looks materially undervalued.

Morgans argues that the roughly $960 million fall in market value is overly pessimistic and appears to reflect a very bearish scenario. The broker has taken a cautious approach by adding incremental operating costs linked to remediation in its base case, while noting that every 1% increase in compliance costs would reduce EBITDA by 1.6%.

The investment case here rests on valuation, current trading conditions, and the possibility that the market has reacted too harshly.

Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK)

Nick Scali is the third ASX share on Morgans’ buy list.

The broker recently initiated coverage with a buy rating and a $17.84 price target. Based on the current share price of around $16.39, that suggests upside of around 9%.

Morgans describes Nick Scali as a high-quality retailer with a long track record. The broker highlights its history of long-term earnings per share growth through disciplined store rollout, like-for-like growth, strong margins, and operating leverage.

I think the business model is the appealing part here. Nick Scali has shown that furniture retailing can be highly profitable when the store network, product range, pricing, and cost base are managed well.

Morgans also points to strong cash generation and the company’s balance sheet. It notes that the business benefits from structural negative working capital, high cash conversion, and relatively low capital intensity when opening new stores.

That leaves room for dividends, property purchases, and growth.

The broker also sees more store rollout optionality, including Plush and Nick Scali growth in Australia and New Zealand, as well as a UK opportunity.

Foolish takeaway

These three Morgans buy calls are interesting because they are not built around the same theme.

Treasury Wine is a recovery story, Tabcorp is a valuation call under a regulatory cloud, and Nick Scali is a quality retailer with rollout potential.

Each carries risk, and none should be treated as a simple bargain just because a broker is positive. But for investors looking across different parts of the ASX, I think these three shares are worth a closer look.

The post Morgans recommends these ASX shares as buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 6 ASX shares upgraded by analysts this week
• This crushed ASX wine stock could surprise investors
• 10 ASX 200 shares given buy ratings this week
• Broker names 3 ASX shares to buy now
• Here are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nick Scali. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It’s fair to say that interest in hydrogen technologies has waned on the ASX from the hype it was seeing a few years ago. Yet you wouldn’t know that judging from the performance of the ASX’s only hydrogen exchange-traded fund (ETF).

That sole flagbearer for hydrogen technology is the aptly-named Global X Hydrogen ETF (ASX: HGEN). This ETF pretty much does what it says on the tin. It offers ASX investors exposure, through the tracking of the Solactive Global Hydrogen ESG Index, to some of the leading companies in the production, development and commercialisation of hydrogen and fuel cell technology.

Hydrogen remains an area of interest for investors looking to harness the next generation of energy infrastructure. It has potential applications that range from fuel-cell batteries to the production of green steel and ammonia, and even potentially nuclear fusion.

HGEN’s portfolio is truly international. US stocks make up just under 38% of the portfolio, with South Korea contributing another 19%. Other countries that are present include Taiwan, Britain, Belgium, and Japan.

This hydrogen ETF counts the likes of Bloom Energy, Kaori Heat, Doosan Fuel Cell, Plug Power, Screen Holdings, Ceres Power, and Hyundai Engineering & Construction as top holdings.

But let’s talk performance.

How has this ASX hydrogen ETF delivered 155% in 12 months?

As you may have gleaned from the headline, this ASX hydrogen ETF has exploded in value over the past 12 months. HGEN units alone were going for just $4.82 each this time last year. At the time of writing, those same units are worth $12.31. That’s a rise worth more than 155%.

Year to date in 2026, the Global X Hydrogen ETF has gained an equally impressive 74.6%.

It seems that top holding Bloom Energy is mostly to thank for this incredible performance. This US-listed fuel cell manufacturer has exploded about 1,430% higher over the past 12 months, and by 233% in 2026 to date.

HGEN’s performance has been a little more muted if we zoom out, however. As of 17 June, this ETF has delivered an average of 201.2% per annum over the past three years. Since its inception in 2021, we are looking at a return of just 4.3% per annum.

Even so, no doubt many HGEN investors won’t mind, given the stonking returns of the past 12 months (and respectable ones from the past three years).

Let’s see what happens with HGEN over the rest of 2026 and beyond.

The Global X Hydrogen ETF charges a management fee of 0.69% per annum.

The post This ASX hydrogen ETF is up 155% in 12 months appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Bloom Energy. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having a tough session on Friday as investors react to weakness across several heavyweight corners of the market.

During midday trade, the ASX 200 is down 0.96% to 8,825 points.

That puts the benchmark index near its lowest level in 5 sessions, with more than half of the top 200 stocks trading in the red.

At the latest check, 108 shares are falling, 83 are rising, and 9 are unchanged.

So, what is dragging the market lower today?

BHP weighs on the market

The biggest drag is coming from the S&P/ASX 200 Resources Index (ASX: XJR) after BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares dropped 3.68% to $62.65.

The decline follows news of another cost blowout at the mining giant’s Jansen potash project in Canada. BHP has revealed higher expected costs for the second stage of the project, raising new concerns about its capital spending.

This has also put pressure on other big miners.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares are down 2.91% to $177.75, while Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) shares have slipped 0.75% to $19.82.

Banks are mixed

The big banks are also adding to the weakness today.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares are down 0.60% to $161.26, while Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares are down 0.68% to $34.92.

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares have fallen 0.94% to $34.81.

However, National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares are bucking the trend, up 0.40% to $37.49.

Not everything is falling

Despite the heavyweights pulling down the ASX 200, there are still a few bright spots on the board.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares are up 2.96% to $111.28, giving the S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX: XHJ) a lift after a difficult run in recent months.

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL) shares are also higher, rising 1.03% to $54.10, while Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) shares are up 0.86% to $23.57.

Meanwhile, Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) shares are slightly higher at $85.85, and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) shares are up 0.10% to $5.075.

What happens from here?

The ASX 200 is still higher over the past month, so today’s drop hasn’t wiped out the recent run.

Nonetheless, the weakness in resources and banks shows how quickly the market can turn when its largest sectors move lower.

US markets are closed on Friday for the Juneteenth holiday, which means investors will have to wait until Monday night for the next move from Wall Street.

The post Why is the ASX 200 sinking to a 5 day low today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Charter Hall Long WALE REIT declares June 2026 distribution and DRP details
• APA Group announces estimated FY26 final distribution, up 1.7%
• Wesfarmers shares have surged 20% in a month. Buy now?
• 2 ASX growth shares experts think could double over 12 months
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, CSL, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Shares in Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) were in the red on Friday following two broker downgrades, but there remains a wide range of opinions on the value of the company.

Opinion starting to turn

Broker Jeffries on Friday cut their price target on Paladin shares by 8.3% to $11, while Goldman Sachs went much further, downgrading the stock to a sell rating and setting a price target of $9.70, as reported by The Bull.

That report said that Goldman Sachs believed the shares were trading ahead of fundamentals despite the positive outlook for the uranium market.

Paladin shares were changing hands for $9.85 around noon on Friday, down 2.3% on the day. The shares are up 32.1% over a 12-month period.

Macquarie sees more value in the shares

The Macquarie analyst team disagrees with the assessments of the other two brokers, noting in a research report released in late May that Paladin shares were undervalued.

Macquarie said Paladin had successfully ramped up production at its Langer Heinrich mine in Namibia and was also making “real progress” on its Patterson Lake South approvals in Canada.

Paladin in mid-May reported that for the March quarter it had produced 1.29 million pounds of uranium at Langer Heinrich, up 5% from the previous quarter, “driven by strong processing plant performance”.

The Patterson Lake South Project had also had its environmental impact statement approved.

Chief executive Officer Paul Hemburrow said at the time:

Our Langer Heinrich Mine continues to perform strongly and activities at the site are in line with our commitment to complete the ramp-up to full operations by the end of the financial year. We were pleased to increase our production guidance for the full year as a result of the hard work and sustained effort of our team and key contractors to successfully mobilise the mining fleet, along with the improved feed grade and the delivery of high recovery rates from the processing plant. We were pleased to receive Environmental Approval for the PLS Project from the Saskatchewan Government and are now focused on progressing the next regulatory steps to obtain our construction license for this significant uranium development.

Macquarie said Paladin’s share price underperformance against NexGen Energy (ASX: NXG), Cameco, and ASX-listed Namibian project developers “seems unwarranted”.

Macquarie added:

We now see value in the shares, which imply a US$77/lb uranium price. We recognise downside risk to FY27 consensus production forecasts still exists into guidance, but investors are now being rewarded for taking this risk on, in our view.

Macquarie upgraded Paladin to outperform with a price target of $13.25.

Paladin will be added to the S&P/ASX 100 Index (ASX: XTO) next week. The company is valued at $4.53 billion.  

The post Why is the Paladin Energy share price heading south? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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Motley Fool contributor Cameron England has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW) share price is in focus after the company announced a quarterly cash distribution of 6.375 cents per unit, with unitholders able to participate in a discounted Dividend Reinvestment Plan.

What did Charter Hall Long WALE REIT report?

• Quarterly distribution of 6.375 cents per stapled security (unfranked)
• Record date: 30 June 2026
• Ex-dividend date: 29 June 2026
• Payment date: 14 August 2026
• Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) available with a 1% discount

What else do investors need to know?

The full distribution is unfranked, with 100% unfranked component and no conduit foreign income declared. Investors who wish to participate in the DRP must make their election by 5:00 pm on 1 July 2026. DRP securities will be issued at a 1% discount to the volume weighted average price, calculated over the 10 trading days from 3 July to 16 July 2026.

If you do not nominate for the DRP, you will receive your payment as cash. The DRP issue price, and further details, will be released in a separate announcement on or around 14 August 2026.

What’s next for Charter Hall Long WALE REIT?

Investors can expect further details on the DRP pricing when Charter Hall Long WALE REIT releases its update in August. The trust’s next steps will likely focus on consistent distributions and actively managing its property portfolio to support income streams for unitholders.

Looking forward, Charter Hall Long WALE REIT remains committed to maintaining predictable income backed by long-term lease arrangements, while providing income and growth opportunities via its DRP.

Charter Hall Long WALE REIT share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Charter Hall WALE REIT shares have declined 13%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 3% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Charter Hall Long WALE REIT declares June 2026 distribution and DRP details appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why is the ASX 200 sinking to a 5 day low today?
• APA Group announces estimated FY26 final distribution, up 1.7%
• Wesfarmers shares have surged 20% in a month. Buy now?
• 2 ASX growth shares experts think could double over 12 months
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The Brent crude oil price hit a four-year high of US$114 per barrel during the war between the US and Iran.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also reached a four-year high of US$113 per barrel during the conflict.

Oil prices skyrocketed due to the effective shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, which carries 20% of the world’s oil and gas supply.

Today, all those oil price gains are gone.

Oil prices are back to pre-war levels, and ASX 200 energy shares are down sharply this week as a result.

What’s the oil price today?

The Brent crude oil price is US$79.50 per barrel, and WTI is US$76.40 per barrel at the time of writing.

Brent Crude is down 9% for the week and down 24% over the month. WTI has fallen 10% this week and 22% over the month.

Oil prices began a rapid retreat in recent weeks after US President Donald Trump talked up an impending deal with Iran.

News of a US-Iran interim peace agreement earlier this week saw a final cascade in oil prices back to February levels.

The deal incorporates a 60-day ceasefire, the end of the US blockade of Iranian ports, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Trading Economics analysts said the supply disruption caused by the 16-week war was the biggest on record.

Today, tankers are slowly moving out of the Strait of Hormuz.

The analysts said:

Tankers carrying previously stranded crude began exiting the waterway on Thursday, and Kuwait said it would begin increasing production.

As a result, oil prices have erased nearly all the gains recorded since the Middle East conflict began in late February.

While oil prices have slumped, many economists say we have yet to see the full inflationary impact of the supply shock.

In Australia, higher oil prices have contributed to three interest rate rises already this year.

What’s happening with ASX 200 energy shares on Friday?

ASX 200 energy shares are in the red on Friday, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) down 0.9%.

By comparison, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 1%.

The Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) share price is up 0.1% to $28.66 today, but down 7.2% over the week.

The Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) share price is 1.5% lower at $7.23, and has fallen 8.9% over five days.

The Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) share price is 1.4% lower at $32.88, and is 8.1% lower over the week.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The APA Group (ASX: APA) share price is in focus today as the company announced an estimated final distribution of 30.5 cents per security for the six months ending 30 June 2026, up 1.7% on last year.

What did APA Group report?

• Estimated final distribution of 30.5 cents per security, a 1.7% increase over FY25
• Total FY26 distributions expected to be 58.0 cents per security, matching previous guidance
• Interim distribution of 27.5 cents per security paid in March 2026
• Final distribution and tax details to be confirmed with FY26 results in August
• Distribution Reinvestment Plan (DRP) available for this cycle at a 1.5% discount

What else do investors need to know?

The actual amount of APA Group’s final distribution, its tax-deferred status, and franking credits will be confirmed when the full-year financial results are released on 20 August 2026. Key dates for the distribution include an ex-distribution date of 29 June, record date on 30 June, and payment set for 16 September.

Securityholders in Australia and New Zealand will receive payments via direct credit, so it’s a good idea to check and update banking details with APA’s registry if needed. The Distribution Reinvestment Plan (DRP) offers the flexibility to reinvest distributions at a 1.5% discount, with election changes due by 1 July 2026.

What’s next for APA Group?

Investors can look forward to more details with APA’s full-year results in August, when the final distribution amount and franking information will be clarified. The company’s guidance for a full-year distribution of 58.0 cents per security remains on track, consistent with earlier expectations.

APA continues to position itself as a key partner in Australia’s energy infrastructure, with more than $20 billion in assets across gas transmission, renewable energy, and electricity assets. The company’s ongoing investment in critical energy networks is likely to remain a focus.

APA Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, APA Group shares have risen 20%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 3% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post APA Group announces estimated FY26 final distribution, up 1.7% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.